Reformed Baptist Church

The Lord will smite Egypt, but also heal her. Judah, therefore, must not look to Egypt for help, but neither should Judah overlook Egypt. The world (Egypt) has nothing ultimately to offer God's people. But we have what the world needs most: a Savior! We freely offer Christ to a lost and dying world. Through Him alone will all the families of the earth be blessed.

In this burden against proud, pagan Moab, we see the judgment pronounced against them, the compassion felt for them, and the hope set forth and held out to them. That hope is the hope of every sinner: Jesus Christ, whose throne is established in mercy (16:5).

Christ rules and reigns in righteousness. He will render true and perfect justice in the end. This will be the inevitable result of His character (vv. 3a, 5), His competence (v. 3b), and His commitment to truth and justice (v. 4).

Looks can be deceiving. The house and kingdom of David, which God promised to establish forever (2 Sam. 7:16), has been reduced to a stump. But hope remains: the "Rod of Jesse," a new and greater David, shall come (v. 1). And He will be the perfect King, upon whom the Spirit of the LORD will rest (v. 2), who will reign in truth and in righteousness (vv. 3–5). The Lord Jesus is this King! Is He your King?

God commands His people not to fear the Assyrians (v. 24). The reasons lie in God Himself: He is faithful, sovereign, and mighty to save. Believers in every age should take these truths to heart, especially in dark and difficult times when we are tempted to fear.